3.1 This Part focuses on the Agency's response to the crisis that began to develop in February 1999 and extended until July 1999. From July 1999 onwards, the introduction of emergency measures and a seasonal downturn in applications enabled the Agency to resolve the crisis. In this Part, we look at:
■ the action taken by the Agency to maintain services to the public;
■ the cost of taking this action, and who will bear the cost; and
■ the steps taken by the Agency to stop these events recurring.